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British Legion branch needs support in the year that marks the anniversary of the First World War

THE chairman of a long-established Royal British Legion club is urging supporters to rally round to ensure that the club continues to run.

John Mason is urging well-wishers to support the club in the run-up to this year's Remembrance commemorations, in the year which marks a century since the start of the First World War.

John Mason said the meeting this month of Powick and Callow End Royal British Legion had to be abandoned because members failed to attend, and that June's meeting was poorly attended.

He said: "We do not have a meeting in August, but it is vital that we have a good attendance at our next scheduled meeting in September as this is the build-up to Remembrance 2014."

He said that age and ill-health were taking their tolls of the club's membership, with not enough younger people joining to take their places.

"When you've got a small number of people who area actually running things, it only takes one or two of them falling ill to make it very difficult to continue.

"It's not just us; this is happening to legions up and down the country. There's talk that the legion club in Worcester is in danger of closing, so it can happen to anyone.

"It is obvious that if we continue with the current lack of support, the future of the branch and the presence of the legion in Powick and Callow End is bleak, to say the least."

He said members were hoping to take part, along with the branch's standard, in an event commemorating the centenary of the First World War hosted by Claines RBL tomorrow (Saturday, July 26) at Claines church.

Mr Mason urged anyone interested in the future of the legion to attend the meeting on Tuesday, September 9, at the Madresfield Club, Madresfield, at 8.15pm. He said: "This very important meeting may well determine the future of the branch. Please attend if you can."